Light & Lasers

Experiment with lights and lasers to see how light behaves in this dynamic and "illuminating" class. Hands-on investigations will allow students to discover that light passes through some objects and is redirected, reflected, or absorbed by others. Students will apply what they have learned to direct a beam of light through a mirror maze.

LEARNING LAB MAX: 32 students per lab session, with 3 lab sessions available per hourTIME: 50 minutesGRADE: Designed for grades 3-5COST: $6 per lab, per student. This does not include museum admission.

LEARNING GOALS:

Light travels in a straight line until it interacts with an object.

When light interacts with an object it may be reflected, redirected, absorbed or allowed to pass through.

Formulate reasonable explanations based on evidence collected from observations or experiments.

Measure the light's angle as it reflects from a mirror, identifying it as acute, right, obtuse.

SUPPORTS MINNESOTA STATE STANDARDS:

Physical Science

3.2.3.1.3 -

Describe how light travels in a straight line until it is absorbed, redirected, reflected or allowed to pass through an object.

Mathematics

4.3.2.1 -

Measure angles in geometric figures and real-world objects with a protractor or angle ruler.

4.3.2.2 -

Compare angles according to size. Classify angles as acute, right, and obtuse.

Request a Learning Lab

Learning Labs are available for school groups at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. They occur on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during October-November and January-May. (In May, Tuesdays also become available.) Minimum/Maximum class size: 16/32 students. Reservations are required at least 2 weeks in advance for Learning Labs. To make your reservation, fill out the Field Trip Reservation Request, email (Enable JavaScript to view.), or call (651) 221-9444 Tuesday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.